We have discussed the structure of the hoof but we need to talk a bit about what can infect the hoof or foot and ask what can we do about it. Some of the most common infections of the hoof are what veterinarians call iatrogenic problems. What does that mean? Iatrogenic in simple terms means we did it ourselves. Some things that are commonly iatrogenic are infections or abscesses from nails placed too deep by the farrier. Although this does not happen often, probably once per